Lewis

Lewis Cowl by Brian Smith Designs

What is Being Made

The Lewis is a knitted cowl design created by Brian Smith Designs. This intermediate-level project produces a luxurious neck accessory with finished measurements of 80 centimeters in circumference and 37 centimeters in width, making it a substantial cowl suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a generous single loop.

Yarn and Materials

This cowl is crafted using King Cole Chunky Tweed in the shade Lewis. The pattern requires approximately 3 balls of yarn, totaling around 230 grams or 450 yards of chunky weight yarn. The chunky yarn weight allows for relatively quick knitting progress while creating a warm, textured fabric.

The project requires two circular needles: UK 7mm (US 10.5) needles measuring 80 centimeters in length for the main body, and UK 4.5mm (US 7) straight needles for specific sections. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a cable needle or stitch holder for managing cable stitches, and a blocking kit to finish the piece professionally.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Lewis cowl employs intermediate knitting techniques centered around cable work and textured stitch patterns. The design incorporates several cable variations that create visual interest and dimension in the finished fabric.

• Cable Stitches: The pattern features two primary cable crosses. C6B (Cable Six Back) involves slipping three stitches onto a cable needle, holding it at the back of the work, knitting three stitches, then knitting the three held stitches. C6F (Cable Six Forward) follows the same principle but holds the cable needle at the front of the work, creating cables that twist in opposite directions.
• Twisted Stitches: T5B (Twisted Five Back) and T5F (Twisted Five Forward) create textured twisted effects by combining knit and purl stitches across a cable needle, adding complexity and visual texture to the design.
• Yarn Manipulation: The pattern uses yarn forward (Wyf/Yf) techniques and yarn overs (Yo) to create lace elements and texture variation within the fabric structure.
• Decrease Techniques: Decreases are worked using K2togtbl (knit two stitches together through the back loops) and K3tog (knit three stitches together) to shape the fabric and create intentional stitch reductions.
• Slip Stitches: Sl1pw (slip one stitch purlwise) is used for edge definition and smooth transitions between pattern sections.
• Foundational Stitches: The pattern is built on basic knit (K) and purl (P) stitches, which form the foundation of the blocked rib pattern that structures the cowl.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 10 centimeters when worked in the blocked rib pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The cowl requires blocking to set the stitches and achieve the final dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Lewis cowl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with cable stitches, managing multiple needle sizes, and reading pattern abbreviations. The combination of cable work, twisted stitches, and textured patterning requires attention to stitch placement and cable management, making it an engaging project for developing knitting skills.